OBJECTIVE

The objectives
of this experiment are to provide the student with an opportunity to

·Become
familiar with an oscilloscope, function generator, and digital multimeter.

·Observe
and describe different signals.

·Develop
Lab Notebook skills.

APPARATUS

The following
materials are needed to complete this experiment.

·Dual
beam oscilloscope.

·Function
generator.

·A
digital multimeter.

·Assorted
wires.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

You are to
use both the oscilloscope and digital multimeter to examine various signals
which are set up by the laboratory instructor. Take this opportunity to begin
good laboratory practices by (1) keeping a log of what you did, when you did
it, with whom, date, equipment used, and any other pertinent information, (2)
observing safety in the laboratory, and (3) keeping your work area clean and
orderly.

The
experimental apparatus is to be connected as depicted in Figure 1. Turn on the equipment and allow it to warm up for a
period of 3-4 minutes. During this time, begin studying the settings and
functions of the oscilloscope and the multimeter. Establish basic settings for
the oscilloscope and multimeter and then ask your instructor to establish a
signal for you to measure.

THEORY

An
oscilloscope is perhaps the most useful general purpose instrument available to
the experimenter. It provides one with a window into the signal's temporal
domain and translates signal-time into a pictorial we can comprehend with our limited
(in some ways) human senses.

In general,
most signals can be categorized as having both AC (time varying) and DC (constant)
components although one of these may be zero.This is shown in Figure
2.

LABORATORY ASSIGNMENT

Measure the signals provided
to you by the instructor. Use both the
multimeter and the oscilloscope to determine what the signal is and then record
your findings. A sketch or photo of the oscilloscope pattern may be useful to
aid you in remembering the signal. Don't forget to record the instruments you
used (make, model, serial number), settings, your setup, and then date and sign
your datasheet(s).

REPORT

You are to
present your findings in your laboratory workbook. It is to contain the
specific elements shown on the grading form below. Summarize your findings and suggest which
instrument is most appropriate for which kind of signal and why you feel that
way. Are there any limitations to the use of either instrument?

Laboratory
Grading Form

Please note
that your Laboratory Assistant will be using the following grading form for
your Lab Notebook.

Table
1.Laboratory Grading Form.

INSTRUCTOR's
INSTRUCTIONS

Oscilloscope Familiarization

You will be
responsible for helping the students to understand the settings on both the
digital multimeter and the oscilloscope. These are not really difficult
instruments to use and they are generally straightforward, once you know how
they function and have spent some time using them. In other words it is like
most things in life, once you understand something, it's easy to understand.

It is your
responsibility to instruct them on the use of the oscilloscope.Keep your instructions basic to allow them to
quickly determine the signal levels.

You will also
be responsible for providing signals for the students. Use the function
generator as your signal source and be certain to give them at least one of
each of the following:

·A
signal having no DC level, AC-only.

·A
signal having no AC level, DC-only.

·A
signal combining both AC and DC levels. The AC level should be large compared
to the DC level.

·As
above, but the AC level should be small compared to the DC level.

·A
signal comprised of mostly noise.

Standardize
the specific signal levels you give to your students, allowing them to work
with each other and learn from each other.